What do you put in your dog's crate?

[Hawk]

I'm new to this dog ownership thing (10 month old black femalelab) and I'm wondering what you all put in the crate with your dog? Do you have a pad or blanket, just the plastic bottom, any chew toys (Kongs, etc.)?

Thanks in advance.

[duckboy]

I fold up an old wool blanket, and as a pup, put in a plush toy.

[k9jeff]

warm blanket and once in a while a rawhide chew.

When he was a crying pup I was told to put one of my old shoes in the crate to calm him. I thought it was a BIG joke. One night he was crying (crate training pup) and and I was frustrated, so I put the old shoe inside the crate. Shocking as it may seem, it worked. I know a thing or two about dogs and would have never thought of that but he camed down and slept without any further issues.

[ogrejager]

Always a pad, sometimes a toy.

[gottafish]

I through in some coloring books for the kid. Dog sits up front LOL

[Bill Monroe]

Tie a pair of your (not the kids, mom's or anyone else's) socks together in a tight double knot...great toy with your (whew!) scent on it...(ok to wash it first, though)

[onstep]

Kong and maybe a wool blanket. He used to get a blanket all the time but one day got [petunias!] while we were training and decided to eat a fair amount of it. Let's just say the blanket didn't pass right through it needed a little outside help.

[ehunter]

We buy used blankets from Good will. We prefer the comforters and put a small chew toy. The blanket offers a little padding and warmth. We cut them down to fit the crate and then we can wash them.

[D3smartie]

my dog rides up front.....



but if she has to go in the crate we just have a small pad in the there. I usually also put an old towel in there so soak up some moisture as she always seems to be in the water.

[duckintheblood]

i am with you D3 my pup rides up front with me. but if is really muddy or soaked then he goes in the crate which i just put a towel in there.

[River Animal]

We put a blanket or pad in that are easily washable, and something for the pup to put her head on when she sleeps (you will be surprised how much of a difference this makes). We noticed she was propping her chin up on the water lick and started putting a small [camo :smile:] pillow in with her and she now is silent at night . (a capless! 2 liter soda bottle also works well)

Toys are great (avoid boredom), but supervise rawhides... we never let her have them for an extended period of time if she is alone. She was chewing one in the living room last night and it got soft enough that she almost swallowed it whole :shocked: (but we pulled it out).

With that being said, check all blankets, plush, kong, rawhides...etc often. Onstep's experience is common and plush toy filling & wool from blankets can all cause a foreign body. Don't worry too much. Just check on her, and take note of her individual tendancies.

And, always make the crate a positive place-- kong toys or foraging toys (balls w/ holes in them) filled w/ kibble --(take a 1/2 cup away from her normal routine)-- are great ways to make your pup LOVE the crate

GOOD LUCK! :smile:

[billc_sbio]

Hawk,

I'm not exactly sure "where" this question is directed?

I.e. are you talking about "real" serious dog travelling essentials, or "puppy" stuff to keep a young pup "entertained" while going on a ride?

My pups always start riding in their crates pretty early and very small. This gets them in the habit of riding in the crate.

By now, your's should be pretty accustomed to riding in her crate.

Initially, until they're around 6-7 months old, some toy, or something to chew on, like a Nylabone, might go in there.

By the time they're 10 months old I would think they're into the serious "let's go hunting/training" mode and they really shouldn't REQUIRE anything in there that's not essential. (This doesn't mean you can't put something in there, but I've found that often they'll do just as well without as with)

As far as the ESSENTIALS...well WATER is the big one! Make sure they have a large enough water bowl (I think best attached onto the crate's door) and that it's kept close to full.

A DRY FLOOR! My (10+ yr. old VeriKennel) Crates have metal floor "Grates" that elevate the platform up off the very bottom of the kennel so the dog doesn't sit in accumulated water. (Unfortunately mine are about "shot", and I have to locate replacements-I don't see them listed anymore! ) On top of this, I usually place a length of indoor/outdoor carpet. You can often find "seasonal" door mats, at places like Target, after Halloween as an example for maybe $3 that work GREAT for this! Get a few, and after a "wet" hunt where it gets soaked, take it out and replace with a dry one.

During hot weather, SHADE w/ventilation! If your dog's crate's in a canopy, make sure all the windows are open. You might even consider installing electric fan/s into the canopy or onto the crate itself.

In the winter time, if you travel in VERY cold conditions make sure your crate has an insulated cover over it and that it's closed up to retain as much heat INSIDE as possible. You might consider adding additional (warm) padding on the floor.

I think the "essentials" are the most important considerations for travelling crates. Once a pup's past 7-8 months the rest is just "fluff".

[Hawk]

To clarify on Bill's point, I mean either in the car when traveling, or at night going to bed.

[RODACTION]

My Dog rides up front with me, or in the back with the kids if they want her back there. I only crate her in the back seat of the cab if I'm going into the store or something, short time 15 minuutes or so. She will sleep in her crate if she wants at home, or when we are gone for a hour or two she is put in her crate. In her crate is a custom made pad, blanket, plush toy, and a rawhide bone (in almost new condition) I'm against leaving something small with her alone (like a worn out chew). I just leave her with some comfort stuff, but she usually always sleeps anyway.

[BrotherWolf]

I through in some coloring books for the kid. Dog sits up front LOL

You two!..... C I told my wife I wasnt the only one that did that, Its great on the road trips!

[Hawaiian Time]

At 10 months, my girls are already in formal training and when traveling, they are in their own compartments on my topper and before the topper, they were in their own crates w/o any toys. Of course, I travel with four girls so their fun time is in the training and retrieving work. Probably a little different from just having the one. HT